Tim Clancy could miss Hibs’ Scottish Cup final

DAVID HARDIE

Hibs boss Pat Fenlon has revealed Easter Road defender Tim Clancy is in grave danger of missing the Scottish Cup final against Celtic through injury.

The former Kilmarnock and Motherwell star has been dogged by persistent groin and stomach problems over the past few months, has had one operation and, as he recently revealed to the Evening News, he may need further surgery this summer, although he is hoping a prolonged period of rest during the close season might suffice.

Clancy missed Sunday’s fifth and final Edinburgh derby along with fellow defenders James McPake and Ryan McGivern, with Fenlon adamant all three were absent through injury rather than being rested ahead of the Hampden showdown a week on Sunday.

But while Fenlon is hopeful both skipper McPake, who has suffered ongoing back problems, and on-loan Manchester City full back McGivern, who has a knee injury, will be fit, if not for tomorrow night’s rearranged SPL clash with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, then the final game of the season against Dundee in Edinburgh on Saturday, the Irishman admitted he has genuine worries over Clancy. He said: “James did a little bit of training on

Saturday, but was too sore and we are hopeful he and Ryan might be okay, if not for tomorrow then Saturday. But Tim is struggling and might be even for the final.”

Hibs picked up no new

injuries in the derby win over Hearts other than the usual bumps and bruises, but Fenlon intends to shuffle the pack once again as he strikes a balance

between giving players

sufficient rest and game time in preparation for the final.

Meanwhile, Hibs’ remaining tickets for the final went on general sale from noon today/ However, the sale will be conducted on-line and via the call centre 0844 844 1875 (option 1). Full details are available on the club’s website, www.hibernianfc.co.uk